It's fair to say that Kilgallon benefitted from Leeds' financial meltdown, edging into the side just as Rio, Woodgate and co. left
York-born Kilgallon came up through the renowned Leeds youth system and caught the eye as a cultured centre-half, competitive in the tackle and brave in the air.
His domineering performances earned England U21 honours and he attracted top-flight attention after excelling in the club’s Championship promotion bid of 2005-06.
Reading’s bid of around £1m wasn’t enough but in January 2007 Neil Warnock paid £1.75m (which could rise to £2m and includes a 20% sell-on clause) to take him to Bramall Lane, where he joined the club’s battle to stay in the top flight despite suffering from injury early on. Kilgallon formed a solid partnership with Chris Morgan during season 2007-08.